Cultural group Muhlako wa Ahlomwe will this year celebrate 11 years of existence. The group has, therefore, organised special celebrations during its annual gathering at its headquarters in Mulanje. Our arts reporter BRIAN ITAI caught up with the publicity chairperson for this year’s celebrations Pilirani Vokhiwa-Midaya for details.
Q
: Going into the 11th year of the Mulhako wa Alhomwe celebrations, what should people expect this year?
A
: People should expect to see various activities depicting the Lhomwe culture. Like Lhomwe dances tchoopa, likwata and many more. While we are still digging more about our culture, this year we have also discovered more new dances like gugudela, omphitha mwaana so people should get ready to see these dances being showcased. People should also expect to get more information on how most of the Lhomwe foods are prepared. People should be prepared as well to see almost all tribes in our country represented at this year’s festival as per our theme Culture: A Tool for Unity. People should expect more organised function
Q
: Over the years, what can you regard as some of the standout lessons imparted since you came into being?
A
: Throughout the years, we have imparted a lot of lessons like, after Mulhako was established 11 years ago by our dear Mapwiya Mulhupalhi the late Bingu wa Mutharika [may his soul continue resting in peace], we saw most tribes getting organised and united, coming together to celebrate their culture.
We have helped people to value their culture and to know that we cannot leave out our traditions. We have helped the youth to value culture and not copy other Western values, but to have interest in our own roots and cultures. So, now we are assured that traditions will not die with the old people that have the knowledge.
Q
: Why are you dwelling on the theme of unity during this year’s celebrations?
A
: It is always good for people to live in peace and unity. Unity is power and it is the will of God. It is only in unity where people can develop one another and develop their country as a whole. People can share ideas if there is unity. So, this year we would like to see people valuing their cultures more and using those values to live in unity among themselves and together with other tribes as well knowing that we are all Malawians at the end of the day.
Q
: Over the years, the group has always been associated with politics. What are you doing to maintain the establishment within the targets of the group as a strictly cultural grouping?
A
: We always make sure we follow the mandate that we have. But we should understand that people are in cultural groupings by birth and when the same are involved in active politics, other people tend to misinterpret the two. However, the people in all cultural groupings are free to join any political party in the same way they are free to join any denomination.
Q
: Any special guests expected during the celebrations?
A
: We will invite all cultural groups in Malawi, including all paramount chiefs and also Gawa Undi and other Lhomwes from Mozambique and South Africa. We also expect to invite ambassadors from all countries. n
